High field open magnetic resonance magnet with reduced vibration

Abstract

A magnet assembly system for use in an open Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system comprises a first assembly and a second assembly opposing each other in a longitudinally spaced apart relationship. The first and second assemblies generate a static magnetic field for use in imaging. Further provided is a plurality of support posts attached between the first and second assemblies for maintaining an open imaging volume between the first and second assemblies and for further providing structural support. Each of the support posts comprises a first support element and a second support element attached to first support element on the surface away from the imaging volume. A method for reducing vibration in an open MRI system comprises attaching a second support element to each of the support posts on a surface away from the imaging volume.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A magnet assembly system for use in an open Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system comprising: 
       a first assembly and a second assembly opposing each other in a longitudinally spaced apart relationship, the first and second assemblies being for generating a static magnetic field;  
       a plurality of support posts attached between the first and second assemblies for maintaining an open imaging volume between the first and second assemblies and for further providing structural support, each of the support posts comprising a first support element and a second support element attached to first support element on the surface away from the imaging volume.  
     
     
       2. The system of  claim 1  wherein the second support element displaces an exterior post boundary toward the back on the MRI system along the y-direction. 
     
     
       3. The system of  claim 1  wherein each of the plurality of support posts is configured to reduce vibration. 
     
     
       4. The system of  claim 1  wherein the MRI system is a high field open MRI system. 
     
     
       5. The system of  claim 1  wherein the first and second assemblies each comprise a magnet coil, a pole piece and a dewar. 
     
     
       6. A method for reducing vibration for use in an open MRI system having a pair of opposing assemblies for generating a static magnetic field and a plurality of support posts, said plurality of support posts comprising a plurality of first support elements, said plurality of support posts providing structural support and for maintaining an open imaging volume between the pair of assemblies, the method comprising: 
       attaching a second support element to each of said plurality of first support elements on a surface away from the imaging volume.  
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 6  wherein the MRI system is a high field open MRI system. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 6  wherein each of the pair of opposing assemblies comprise a magnet coil, a pole piece and dewar. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 6  wherein the second support element displaces an exterior post boundary toward the back on the MRI system along the y-direction. 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 6  wherein the second support element is adapted to stiffen the support post and reduce vibration of the support post during imaging.